Java keeps changing. it has evolved beyond Java 8 or 11, if you are still on them, you’re missing out.
This guide walks you through key features of Java 21 and gives you a quick pick of what’s coming in Java 25. If you are a junior developer who has just started or a top-tier Java development company, these insights will upgrade how you code.
Object-Oriented Java Features That Still Matter in 2025
A quick reality check regarding the new features in Java 21, so let’s revisit what makes Java tick—its object-oriented fundamentals. Whether you’re debugging a microservice or building a slick new API, the features of OOPs in Java handle everything behind the microservices.
Let’s quickly revisit the basics:
- Encapsulation – It’s about bundling your data and logic inside a class while only exposing what is necessary via getters and setters. Keep your code neat and safe.
- Inheritance – Reuse and extend behavior across classes. Need a User and an Admin User? Find—shared logic, less duplication.
- Polymorphism – One method, many forms. It lets your app decide how to behave at runtime without you rewriting code everywhere.
- Abstraction – Hide the messy part. Implementation is all about hiding the implementation details. Focus on what a method does, not how.
- Modularity – Break down your app into smaller, reusable components. Easier to build, test, and scale.
Even in Java 21+, these features of OOPs are the reason your code remains maintainable.
Here is a quick note: If you’re working with a Java development company or planning to hire Java developers, these object-oriented principles should be second nature. Remember that they’re not old-school, they’re essential.
But let’s skip the theory and get into what helps you now.
Staying Updated with Java Features Matters
Java’s every new version adds new features that reduce boilerplate and improve performance. That’s the best part. Whether you’re catching up from Java 8 or jumping ahead to 21, staying current means writing cleaner code and avoiding outdated workarounds.
Use Java 21. It’s Stable and Packed with Good Stuff
Java 21 is a long-term support version. That means it’s stable, supported, and safe to use in production environments. If you are not exploring the new features of Java 21, you will fall behind. It brings tools that solve real problems.
Let’s start with the big ones.
Virtual Threads
Threads used to be heavy. You had to manage pools, tune them in, and hope they didn’t crash under load.
Now, you get virtual threads.
They’re light. You can run thousands at once. The code stays clean and readable. It looks like blocking code, but runs like async.
If your app deals with lots of web calls or I/O, try this today. It just works.
Virtual threads are one of the most important features of Java, and when you hire Java developers, this is one of the skillsets to look for.
Pattern Matching
Tired of writing instance of and then casting? Java now does both in one line. It’s shorter, clearer, and less error-prone. Use it with if or switch.
This helps with objects, records, and even primitive types in newer versions.
Record Patterns
The records are great. Now you can match and unpack them in one line. If you use records for data, this will save time. It also makes your code easier to read.
No more getters and boilerplate. Just clean, simple logic.
Sequenced Collections
Ever wanted the first or last item in a list? Before, you had to use hacks.
Now, it’s built in.
Use getFirst() and getLast() with new collection types. It’s small but handy. This is one of those features of Java that you’ll use more often than you think.
Scoped Values
Thread Local can get messy. It’s easy to leak data across threads.
Scoped values fix that.
They’re safe, fast, and easy to clean up. If you pass data between threads, this is worth trying.
Coming Soon: Java 25
Java 25 will be released in September 2025. You don’t need to upgrade now. But you should know what’s coming.
Compact Source Files
You can skip the class and just write a main method. It’s great for small scripts or tests. Less setup. Faster starts. Feels like Python but still Java.
Perfect for demos, training, or quick fixes.
Primitive Patterns
You can match on int, long, or double using the same pattern style. This saves time in data-heavy code. One line does the check and extract.
It’s not fancy. Just helpful.
Module Imports
Right now, modules sit in config files. In Java 25, you can import them in the code. This is cleaner. It helps with large projects that use Java modules.
It makes dependencies easier to manage.
Flexible Constructors
Before, you had to call super() first. Even if you wanted to validate inputs. Now, you can run checks before calling the parent.
This avoids weird hacks and keeps logic where it belongs.
Other Tools That Help
Java is more than the core language. Here are extras that can boost your setup.
GraalVM and Native Image
GraalVM lets you compile Java into native binaries. That means faster startup and lower memory use. It works well for serverless, command-line tools, and microservices.
It’s not for everything. But when speed matters, it’s a good option.
Spring Boot 3 and Quarkus
Both these frameworks work well with modern Java. They support native images. They start fast and use less memory.
If you build backend services, these tools save time and trouble. When you have to build robust APIs, these are the tools that Java development companies mostly use.
They also make it easier to work in the cloud.
AI in Java
AI isn’t just for Python. Java now has tools like Spring AI and LangChain4j.
They let you connect your Java app to large AI models. You can build smart features with just a few lines.
If your stack is already Java, this makes adding AI simple.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Use Java 21 for new features and LTS support
- Try virtual threads for async work
- Use pattern matching to cut down on if-else
- Clean up records with record patterns
- Watch Java 25 preview builds and test features
- Try GraalVM on a side project
- Look into Spring Boot 3 or Quarkus if you build APIs
You don’t have to switch everything. Start small. One change per week adds up fast.
What to Avoid
- Don’t stay on Java 8 or 11 too long
- Don’t ignore new features—learn them even if you don’t use them yet
- Don’t wait until your project is on fire to upgrade
- Don’t use preview features in production without testing
Final Thoughts
Java has changed a lot. But in a good way. These 5 features of Java you explore today can help you save hours tomorrow. From virtual threads to sequenced collections, the features of OOPs Java continue to evolve.
It’s faster. It’s cleaner. It solves real problems that used to take hours of boilerplate or odd workarounds. If you’re a Java dev in your 20s or 30s, now is the time to refresh your skills. You already know the basics. These features help you go from solid to sharp.
Try one new thing this week. See how it feels. Keep going.
That’s how you grow—fast.
FAQs
What are the main features of Java?
Java is built in a way that your app can be anywhere and anything. It is simple and portable. It is platform independent because of JVM, also its object-oriented for clean modular design, and supports multi-threading for high performance use cases. Because of which its possibke to mobile apps and enterprise systems with it.
What are the patterns of Java?
Design patterns in Java are reusable with which you can solve common coding problems. There is no need to start from the beginning. Patterns like Singleton, Factory, or Observer can be used to build code, to design UIs, and backend systems. These patterns save time and reduce bugs.
Why is Java called a high-performance language?
Because Java uses JIT compilation and smart memory management, the apps run fast. Unlike interpreted languages, Java compiles parts of your code into native machine instructions while it runs. It even gets better when combined with JVM’s optimizations and garbage collection; the performance is close to native languages like C++ without any complications.
